POZ Community Forums
HIV Prevention and Testing => Do I Have HIV? => Topic started by: unsure on January 07, 2007, 12:03:39 pm
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Hello there,
Firstly i'd lik to say from reading your forums amongst others has provided me with some support over the last few months.
Here's my situation:
Gay male UK in a relationship never had unproteced anal sex.
JULY - AUGUST 2006
Gave unprotected Oral sex to an anonymous guy without ejaculation.
SEPTEMBER 11TH 2006
Hiv Antibody Test 1&2 as well as P24 (ALL NEGATIVE)
OCTOBER 17TH 2006
Hiv Antibody Test 1&2 as well as P24 (ALL NEGATIVE)
Also had full STD sceen everything Negative
Decided to get vaccianted against HEP A&B
NOVEMBER 22ND 2006
Hiv Antibody Test 1&2 as well as P24 (ALL NEGATIVE)
JANUARY 2ND 2007
Hiv Antibody Test 1&2 as well as P24 (ALL NEGATIVE)
My problem is that since early October i have had swollen glands in my groin (CONFIRMED BY A DOCTOR) and now i think i have 2 swollen glands on the side of my neck and near my clavicle (Will speak to a doctor regarding these).
I'm not sure if i need anymore testing as if you take the last test from the 1st it's been 16 weeks.
Is HIV definately not my problem?
Many Thanks for any time you can spare
UNSURE
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HIV is not the problem in the situation you've provided.
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You definitively have tested negative for HIV. You do not have HIV. Keep those hands off your lymph nodes--poking and prodding them can make them swell. Plus, swollen lymph nodes is by no means a specific symptom for HIV--a whole multitude of things can cause swollen lymph nodes. The bottom line is: HIV is definitely not your problem, but if you still have health concerns, go see a doctor to investigate what it may be.
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unsure,
Are you aware that while it's rare to become infected with hiv through giving blowjobs, there are other STIs you can pick up this way. Check out this Aidmap article. (http://www.aidsmap.com/en/news/0E0E7294-9752-4ABE-B342-EE233557287C.asp)
You need to be using condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, every time, no exceptions until such time as you are in a securely monogamous relationship where you have both tested for ALL STIs together. To agree to have unprotected intercourse is to consent to the possibility of being infected with a sexually transmitted infection. Sex with a condom lasts only a matter of minutes, but hiv is forever.
Have a look through the condom and lube links in my signature line so you can use condoms with confidence.
Anyone who is sexually active should be having a full sexual health care check-up, including but not limited to hiv testing, at least once a year and more often if unprotected intercourse occurs.
If you aren't already having regular, routine check-ups, now is the time to start. As long as you make sure condoms are being used for intercourse, you can fully expect your routine hiv tests to return with negative results. Don't forget to always get checked for all the other sexually transmitted infections as well, because they are MUCH easier to transmit than hiv.
You are hiv negative - protect that by using condoms for intercourse.
Ann
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Hi All
Thanks for your responses.
Ann, hello i am aware of the possibility of other sti's that's why i had a full screening in october, sorry if i didn,t make this clear.
My worry was can i finally put this to bed or do i need further testing due to my supposed swolled glands which have not yet been confirmed by a doctor.
Is there a possibility of delayed seroconversion with P24 and antibody tests, especially the p24
Many Thanks for all your help
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There's absolutely no reason to doubt the validity of your HIV test results. IF you were and IV drug user and/or had cancer and were being treated with chemo you would need to test out to 6 months.
Neither of those apply in your case and you have effectively ruled out HIV as an issue. Your risk level was very low to begin with so it's no surprise that you tested negative.
If you continue to have physical symptoms that are concerning you, discuss them with your doctor.
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Thanks for that!
I suppose i am a little ashamed of the incident as i regret this deeply and feel that i have put my relationship in jeopardy.
I still feel anxiety over this incident and have treid to move on and put this behind me, i have not let my partner perform oral sex on me sice this began and we dont have anal sex anymore, because i don't llike it mainaly.
Would it be safe to resume the normal sexual routine?
Sorry about these questions, i just don't want to put my partner at any risk.
Many Thanks.... Unsure
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Would it be safe to resume the normal sexual routine?
You have no reason not to.
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So would it be irrational say to have a test at 6-months?
How likely is a 16 week to change at 27?
Or is this just a waste of emotional energy?
Thanks - Unsure
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You are at the point that not only are you wasting your time, but you are starting to waste my time. You are NEGATIVE. End of story. No more "what ifs" or "Buts."
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Well i went to the GUM clinic here in the UK just to go through all my results, and check my glands.
The Doctor said that my glands were slightly swollen in my groin and neck, both sides.
She also said that she doesn't suspect HIV with the conclusively testing Negative and the fact that i have been stressed.
I think i will go to my GP and see if he can get to the bottom of this!
Still not 100% sure about having another HIV test at the beginning of march, my only sexual activity since i began this nightmarein September 2006 are Oral Sex with My boyfriend - me giving him head and not the other way around, and Mutual Masturbation.
I know i am scared and all this is probably in my "Messed Up Head"
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Hello Andy / Rod / Ann
Hope you are all well.
I'm not sure if this counts as a new thread my apologies if it does.
I was reading online about the Window Period for HIV and found this on the aidsmap website.
(A small number of people - probably one in a hundred of those who become infected - take more than two to three months to form antibodies, but it is highly unusual to take more than six months to form antibodies.)
I suppose i have three main questions
1. I was wondering if this 1 in a 100 would be an intravenous drug user or chemotherapy patient?
2. Is that 1 in a 100 statistic accurate?
3. If delayed seroconversion happened would this affect the results of a P24 test as i understand from the lessons that this tests for the Virus itself and not antbodies like an Elisa?
Again i apologise if i have gone about these the wrong way.
Many thanks for all your responses i really appreciate it you all taking the time.
Unsure
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Hello All
Just wonering if anyone could answer the above?
Again my apologies if i have gone about this the wrong way.
Many Thanks
Unsure
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I don't do numbers, there is no reason for it. You test, you get your status result and that is it.
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unsure,
Unless you are on cancer chemotherapy, taking anti-rejection drugs following organ transplant, have been injecting street drugs, every day, for years, you do not need to worry about delayed seroconversion.
I don't know about your p24 question - it is so rare that people take longer than six WEEKS to seroconvert that I don't think there's ever been a case to find out with. Normally, the p24 antigen is only detectable for the first few weeks and then disappears when the antibodies gain in number.
You are conclusively and reliably hiv negative.
Ann
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Once again thanks for all your time Ann / Andy / Rod / Coffeechick.
I really appreciate all the responses.
Keep up this invaluable work.
Cheers Unsure
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I'm sorry to come back here but i'm still a little freaked out after reading about window periods.
Is a 16 weeks negative conclusive let alone 12-13 weeks conclusive.
Should i retest at the 6 month mark? (Will it be negative like all my other tests)?
Once again i'm sorry but this damn window period and the difference in opinion is what's confusing me.
unsure?
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If the 12/13 testing is conclusive, why would 16 weeks not be conclusive? You are conclusive unless you've had unprotected sex 6 weeks or less before you original test or you have had unprotected sex right after your blood test.
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Thanks Rod!
I have not had uprotected anal sex ever! and Never will.
I have only had mutual masturbation and unprotected oral, me giving, this activity has only take place with my boyfriend (He's neg) since September.
I'm not really worried about this more worried that i could be one of the VERY small proportion that take longer to seroconvert.
My only risk was giving unprotected oral with a man of unknown status in July / August (Don't remember specific date but was definately before i started testing.
Just to clarify.
Many Thanks
Unsure
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The risk of giving oral, particularly if ejaculation did not occur, is very, very low.
Generally we don't even suggest testing to be necessary. If you have tested negative at more than 13 weeks after that incident then you can rely on that test result.
As far as your current bf is concerned, should you guys decide to dispense with condoms you should only do that if you both test negative together and are confident that you are both committed to a securely monogamous relationship.
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Thanks
I do appreciate all the time you moderators spend on answering all these questions.
I know that the recommended window period is 3 months and that i have tested up to 4 months
(All neg HIV Antigen p24 and Antiobody elisa) after a low risk incident, (Unprotected oral max 30 secs - no ejaculation).
What is really confusing is this window period? I know you stick by 3 months as does the UK GUM clinic.
I also know that symptoms are never an indicator of HIV.
However i cant shake this feeling that i need to test out to 6 months (Due to excessive internet surfing and swollen glands and now a rash on the palms of my hands).
I know i am not an IV drug user or a Chemotherapy patient but i read the CDC testing recommendations which state that 97% will test positive by 3 Months and some will need to test out to 6 months.
I have also read the various threads regrding people testing out to quite extensive periods afte the three months and the results being consistantly negative.
I appreciate that there are no guarantees in life all i want to do is put this behind me and move on.
Should i test at 6 months?
Many Thanks Unsure
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unsure go do what you want to do except post again. We've all told you that you are conclusively negative and there is nothing more to add.
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What do you expect us to say differently to you? You're HIV negative. Period.
You really know that. Just because you're having thoughts and feelings that jangle you doesn't change that fact. Your negative test result is a fact. Feelings are not facts.
Test again at 6 months? It's totally unnecessary. You have to decide just how long you're going to hold on to this issue.
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Sorry i don't mean to upset anyone.
I just very scared, even though i tested out to 4 months things keep cropping up, like swollen glands and a rash on my palms of my hands, which i will see my GP about.
I know that a 6 month test is highly unlikely to change but it's probably fear and stress that is doing this to me.
I know i need to get a grip, but i find myself examining my body and the way i feel through the highly unlikely context of HIV.
Once again my apologies and thank for all the time you have spent answering my posts.
I wish you all the very best!
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Rash on the hands and/or soles of your feet is one symptom of Syphilis. Which has a 3 month testing window, you should rule that out.
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Thanks Thanks ACinKC
I already had a full std screen (including Syphillis) just under 3 months from the uprotected oral incident, and this was negative.
I have also checked the rash on my palms against images online, it doesn't look the same however i do appreciate that symptoms can vary in their appearance in individuals. Plus i have had no symptoms of primary infection- again no guarantee.
I think if i test again for HIV i will test for Syphilis as well just to be on the safe side.
My main worry is that perhaps i might be a late seroconvertor. This is primarily because of the 6 month window period issue. I know this is not an issue on this forum and i know that there is differing information out there. However all i want to do is exhaust all avenues where HIV is concearned.
I do appreciate the time you have taken, once again many thanks.
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Just a quick question...
Could Stress delay seroconversion?
I know that excessive stess suppresses the immune system but what extent i'm not sure.
Many Thanks
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No stress will not delay seroconversion. You are NEGATIVE, you need to move on with your life.
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There is no 6 month window. Where does this shit come from?! It is 13 weeks people! 13 WEEKS!
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Stress can be expressed in a variety of bodily reactions.
But NO, it absolutely does not delay seroconversion. Period.
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Hello, me again!
I am currently waiting to see my GP over the rash and swollen glands.
I was just wondering if anyone had any answers to the following sorry if this is beyond the remit of this forum:
1. Does the rash that occurs with syphilis normally tingle, like pins and needles?
2. If it were syphilis would this STI alter the window period?
3. As i said i tested for syphilis at about 12 weeks give or take a few days would this provide an accurate result?
Many Thanks
Been meaning to say this for a while, Thanks to all the responses and especially to the moderators great work!, Ann i hope your house moving is resolved swiftly much love unsure.
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Sorry there was a 4th question Duh!
4. I know that rash's vary from person to person, does the syphilis rash blanch when you apply pressure?
Again Thanks
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The syphilis rash is kind of like pins and needles at least for me. If you apply pressure i want to say yes they sort of disappeared till the blood came back. The syphilis testing window is 3 months. Same as HIV and it wont interfer with an HIV test. So yes your 12 week test is accurate.
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Thanks foir that info!
Just one more question on the Syphilis topic, i have never had any sores, can syphillis skip the the primary phase and just show symptoms in the seconday phase only?
Many Thanks Unsure
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It did for me. I had no sores I was aware of anywhere on my body.
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Thanks ACinKC.
Theres always more questions, sorry!
Did you get a kind of numbness and sweaty palms as well as hands feeling hot and cold?
I am going to see my GP but i cold only get an appointment early next week, if he say's it's nothing i will probably go to my GUM clinic.
I'm a bit annoyed at the GUM clinic for not mentioning anything about a window period for syphilis, however seeing as i probably tested near to 12 weeks, perhaps they thought it would be ok.
If it were to be syphilis can my partner catch it from my palms? No broken skin on them.
Many Thanks all the very best to you all.....Unsure
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I cant really recall any numbness or hot and cold feeling. I was extrememly fatigued and when I say EXTREMELY i mean i couldnt get on the computer to type like this if I wanted to. As far as transmission of syphilis im not aware of all the ways it works. You can get it from oral sex, and regular sex (counting anal in here) are the two ways I know of for sure. I dont think she(sorry unsure)HE will catch it from your palms as my GF was living with me at the time and we were having protected sex and hand jobs and stuff like that and she never caught it.
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I would like to say a personal 'BIG THANKK YOU' to ACinKC.
I really appreciate all the time you have spent answering these questions which are little off topic for a HIV forum.
I'm slightly reassured about the fact that i specifically dont feel unwel (Fatigued)l, however i will try to get to the bottom of this and test for Syphilis again if necessary.
Once again.....
Many Thanks & Much Love
By the way my partner is male, but made me giggle!
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Thanks foir that info!
Just one more question on the Syphilis topic, i have never had any sores, can syphillis skip the the primary phase and just show symptoms in the seconday phase only?
Many Thanks Unsure
One thing with syphilis is that someone can go through the primary phase and not really notice it. Usually there is a chancre at the point where the virus enters your body, but again not everyone notices it and it isn't always outside the body, which makes it more difficult. Many times when people notice it, it is when they enter the secondary stage and get the rash. Also, syphilis is called the "great imitator" and can imitate other conditions. Your test at 12 weeks should have covered you. If you are still concerned about syphilis, you can have the doctor do a treponemal test (this actually looks for the organism itself) in addition to the standard screening test (RPR). This test has varying sensitivities depending what stage you are in, but in the primary or secondary stage if you test negative at the proper times then then you are most likely really negative. I do know some doctors who go ahead and order both types of tests to rule it out.
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Hi Coffeechick
Not sure about what test they do here in the UK at GUM Clinics for an STI screen, however i do remember that they drew blood for this specific test, dont know if that helps. Or does anyone know?
I also think that i had the test just under 12 weeks afer unprotected oral no ejaculation, however like i said i will go and see my GP 1st and then go back to the GUM Clinic as well if i feel it's necessary. I think that's the best course of action.
Many Thanks.....Unsure
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Hi All - just to update you.
Well went to my GP and he told me that there seemed nothing unusual on my hands just glanced at them and said no nothings wrong it didn't seem like he was that interested but what do i know i'm not a doctor, however i think i will still take another test for syphils just to be on the safe side.
I know that i dont need to test for HIV again but i think i will go for 6 month test for my own peace of mind. (Still scared though about the result)
I have also told my partner about the inident in July/August 06 and he's being very supportive, which i am very grateful for.
I have also asked to see a counsellor to deal with whatever the underlying issues.
Thanks for all your time and helpful responses..... Unsure
>:(
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Youre welcome and good luck.
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hello again...
This weekend i was at a party and ended up deep kissing a guy who later told me he was HIV+, now i know from the lessons that HIV is not passed on through kissing but i had a sore throat at the time and as far as i am aware there were no open cuts or abrasions in my mouth, but like most people i sometimes have cuts and am not aware of them.
I have a couple of questions...
1. Does the sore throat have any bearing on transmission?
2. If so do i need to test over this incident?
Many thanks for your valuable time.
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1. No
2. You do not need testing.
Read the lessons on transmission. You can find the link in the "Welcome" thread at the top of the page.
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un,
I've merged your new thread into your original thread - where you should post all your additional thoughts or questions. It helps us to help you when you keep all your additional thoughts or questions in one thread.
If you need help finding your thread when you come here, click on the "Show own posts" link under your name in the left-hand column of any forum page.
Please also read through the Welcome Thread (http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=220.0) so you can familiarize yourself with our Forum Posting Guidelines. Thank you for your cooperation.
Saliva is not infectious and kissing is not a risk for hiv infection.
Ann
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My apologies about starting a new thread.
I have discussed the situation with my partner who has asked me to test over this and has definately brought up old fears.
I just wanted to ask a few more questions.....
With regards to the sore throat this was actually quite bad and my throat was really red and i threw up when i got home as i dont drink very often and cant handle alcohol does this alter any of your responses?
With regards to PEP would this be prescribed at all in this situation as i am still in the 72 hour window ( i dont think so just wanted to be sure)?
Many thanks for your time.
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un,
Saliva is not infectious and kissing is not a risk for hiv infection. You certainly do NOT need PEP for a no risk incident.
Ann
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Hello again.
Ok now i'm a bit nervous.
It's been just over 7 weeks since i deep kissed a HIV+ guy and i have had muscle aches in my lower legs for the past 1.5 days and last night i think i had a night sweat. Although i haven't noted a fever.
Also when i had the alleged nightsweat i woke up and then went back to sleep and woke up this morning with no sweating.
My symptoms as they are seem to have vanished today, no leg aches.
I'm trying to take on board that i have not had a risk but this doesn't stop me feeling nervous.
Is over 7 weeks to late for ARS? (Non-risk not withstanding)
Many Thanks
Unsure - who is getting annoyed with himself being nervous about a non-risk
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You're just not dealing with the fact that you didn't have a risk. ARS if it happens at all, happens is 2-4 weeks post exposure. Not 6,7, or 8 weeks. It takes an exposure which you didn't have. No exposure, no ARS.
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Un,
We have explained to you previously that kissing will not place you at risk of HIV infection, even if your sexual partner is HIV positive.
Any symptoms you might be experiencing are not related to HIV.
I draw your attention to our Welcome Thread (http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=220.0) and remind you that you will not be permitted to use the Forums as a place to obsess about no risk issues.
MtD
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Hello
Just a few more questions, any time that anyone can spare is most appreciated.
I know that you have told me that kissing a HIV positive person late last October is No Risk, also about 5 week ago a guy of unknown status masturbated me and a day later i noticed i had a scratch in my groin area which worried me as perhaps he had precum/semen on his fingers- I anticipate the answer to this will be No Risk.
However as i have had a rash on my lower left side and am now coming down with either a cold or flu i have the following question.
1. I was prescribed hydrocortisone cream for the rash and it now seems to have mostly gone, would this cream work if it was an ARS rash?
Just wanted to say thank you for all your time on here, if anything you have made me more aware about transmission and i am dealing with my fears more calmly.
Wishing you all the best in 2008
Unsure
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You were never at risk and you don't have an ARS rash. If the cream doesn't work see your doctor if it concerns you.
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Thanks for the speedy reply - much appreciated!
Sorry what i meant to say is that the cream has made the rash dissapear. I dont think hydrocortisone would work on ARS rash would it?
Many Thanks